Judge Acquitted in ICE Case Sparks Outrage Among MAGA Supporters

WHO:

Alternet - Former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman, U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), right-wing political commentator Benny Johnson, defense attorney Steve Biskupic, defense attorney Jason Luczak.

WHAT:

Alternet - Hannah Dugan was fined $5,000 and received no jail time for obstructing a federal immigration proceeding.

WISN - Dugan was convicted for directing federal agents away from her courtroom and escorting an undocumented defendant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, through a private jury door to avoid arrest.

WISN - U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman stated that prison was unnecessary and that Dugan had a lifetime of service to the community.

WISN - Dugan's defense team plans to file an appeal within 14 days.

WHERE:

WISN - The events took place in a Milwaukee County courthouse.

WHEN:

WISN - Dugan was sentenced on a Wednesday, with a 14-day deadline for filing an appeal.

WHY:

Alternet - Dugan claimed she acted to alleviate fear among individuals who were afraid to come to court due to immigration enforcement.

WISN - Judge Adelman noted that Dugan's actions were a "bad decision in the moment" and reflected a sentiment against immigration enforcement.

HOW:

WISN - Dugan directed federal agents away from her courtroom and escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a private door to avoid his arrest.

(UPDATED July 9, 2026 01:30 UTC)

Hannah Dugan, a former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge, has been fined $5,000 for obstructing a federal immigration proceeding after she directed federal agents away from her courtroom and escorted an undocumented defendant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, through a private door to avoid his arrest. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman stated that prison time was unnecessary, citing Dugan's lifetime of service to the community, while her defense team plans to file an appeal within 14 days. Dugan claimed her actions were intended to alleviate fear among individuals hesitant to come to court due to immigration enforcement, although Judge Adelman described her decision as a "bad decision in the moment."